Drake’s Favorite Theological Reads of 2019

2019 was a great year of reading for me. Although I typically read plenty of older books and some fiction works as well, I like to make sure I catch up on new release. Just in time for your Christmas book buying, I have compiled some of my favorites books of accessible theology that were released in 2019. 

To speak honestly, I pray often that we would be a church who is unafraid to think deeply on the things of God and strive to know and love the God we serve. I never want to be the “academic” or “stuck-up” church, but if we are accused of being the “theology” church, I can think of far worse things! Ultimately, remember that our study of the revealed things of God should be rooted in God’s word, point us to Jesus, and ultimately always should result in humility, joy, and worship. 

With that in mind, here are my top works of accessible theology published this year:

Matthew Barrett, None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God

I studied with Dr. Barrett in seminary and his course on the Attributes of God was paradigm shifting for me. His book None Greater is more or less a condensed version of the lectures from that course, but it reads at a popular level and is not too academic. If you feel like your view of God is too domesticated, this book will fix that right up!

Rebecca McLaughlin, Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion

McLaughlin does a superb job at answering practical questions that every Christian hears from non-believers. Rather than picking fights, she masterfully shows how the beauty of the gospel and the Christian worldview is compelling and robust. If you are struggling with answering cultural questions of your own or of people you know, this is a must read. 

J. A. Medders, Humble Calvinism

Some members of our church identify as “calvinists”. Some do not. This work is for both camps, but is really a book about how to love theology and let it draw you to joy and worship without being a jerk. So needed, and a quick read. 

Mark Vroegop, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament

This one is a weighty but powerful call to use our suffering well by learning how to lament biblically. If you are experiencing suffering and wondering what to do with it, let this book help. 

Kevin Vanhoozer, Hearers and Doers: A Pastor's Guide to Growing Disciples Through Scripture and Doctrine

I know it says “a pastors guide”, but ignore that part of the subtitle: Vanhoozer is a theologian for the people. He does well to show through careful images and tight prose how what we believe shapes who we are.

Gavin Ortlund, Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals

I’ll admit, this one is a bit more niche and slightly academic, but still short and readable. Gavin Ortlund shows us how we have neglected the early church in our quest to know God and helps us stand on the shoulders of some ancient giants like Ireanus, Anselm, Athanasius, and more.

J. Ryan Lister, Emblems of the Infinite King

Family alert! This is a beautifully crafted into to systematic theology meant for kids around age 7-14. I don’t have kids that age, but it was genuinely encouraging to me as the writing is understandable and enthralling. The pictures and artwork are the real treasure though: I could not stop staring. 

Herman Bavinck, Christian Worldview

If any of you are into Dutch Reformed Theologians (maybe?), you will know that Bavinck has been dead for almost 100 years. So this work is technically not new, but 2019 marked its first publication into English. Bavinck is one of my favorite theologians, and this small volume is a great introduction to his thought.

Jared Wilson, The Gospel-Driven Church

If Jared writes it, I read it. His newest book is a great resource for pastors and church leaders, but everyday church members should benefit immensely by his explanation of how to let the gospel seep into every aspect of church life. 

G. K. Beale, Redemptive Reversals and the Ironic Overturning of Human Wisdom

Nothing like a bit of Biblical Theology to brighten your day! Beale is an expert in his field, and this small series is great for the everyday reader to help them understand how different concepts for together in the Scripture as a whole. Plus, it is a great companion read to our time in 2 Corinthians. 

Owen Strachan, Reenchanting Humanity

I’ll admit that I am only partially finished with this book, but already have been blessed by it. Dr. Strachan was another one of my seminary professors, and his newest work is a look at the doctrine of humanity and anthropology. Don’t be scared by the thickness: due to Strachan’s writing style, this one is also very accessible and personally devotional. 

Graham Cole, Against the Darkness: The Doctrine of Angels, Satan, and Demons

This might be the most “academic” book on the list, but I think it is also one of the most important. In our time of cultural Christianity, there are few things more confusing or neglected than our doctrine of spiritual warfare and heavenly beings. Pick this up to do some serious study on knowing your enemy. 

Josh Chatraw and Karen Swallow Prior, eds., Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues

This book is an entry level volume of compiled essays applying biblical ethics to hot-button cultural issues. What I loved about this book is that it includes several different opinions on each issue, while making sure all the authors strive to be biblically faithful and God glorifying. The book touches on everything from immigration to abortion to sexuality to gender roles.